Bobby Deol’s Kashipurwale Baba Returns, But Does the Story Still Have Enough Fire?
Aashram: Ek Badnaam Aashram has returned with five new episodes on MX Player, but instead of launching a full-fledged Season 4, the creators have opted to extend Season 3—a move that feels more like prolonging a franchise than adding real substance.
“Dragging a story for the sake of popularity isn’t the same as creating compelling content,” and unfortunately, Aashram 3 Part 2 struggles with that balance.
The series, directed by Prakash Jha, made waves in 2020 for its gripping take on fraudulent godmen, exposing the corruption, power, and exploitation behind religious cults. It also revived Bobby Deol’s career, giving him one of his most celebrated roles as Kashipurwale Baba Nirala. But does this new installment live up to the previous seasons?
Aashram 3 Part 2: More of the Same or a Necessary Addition?
With 10 episodes of Season 3 released in June 2022, many expected a fresh season rather than a five-episode extension. Unfortunately, the storyline doesn’t have much left to explore, making this addition feel like an unnecessary prolonging of events rather than a gripping continuation.
Plot Overview: What’s New in the Aashram?
- Nirala (Bobby Deol) and Bhopa (Chandan Roy Sanyal) continue their power games, manipulating politicians Hukum Singh (Sachin Shroff) and Sunder Lal (Anil Rastogi) for financial gain.
- Pammi Pehelwan (Aaditi Pohankar), now on a revenge mission, is captured and trapped inside the Aashram, forced into menial labor.
- Ujagar (Darshan Kumar), the relentless cop, is the last man standing in the fight against Nirala’s empire.
- A new backstory reveals how Monty (Nirala’s real name) eliminated the true guru to seize power.
- Nirala, once untouchable, is now obsessed with Pammi, leading to a strange power triangle with Bhopa.
The five episodes drag with excessive sex scenes, slowing down the intensity of the narrative. Instead of fast-paced political and investigative drama, we get a stretched-out revenge arc that lacks real tension.
Performances: Do the Actors Keep the Show Afloat?
🔥 Bobby Deol continues to shine as Nirala, embodying the charismatic yet sinister godman with ease. His manipulative charm and growing obsession with power keep the character engaging.
🔥 Chandan Roy Sanyal’s Bhopa Swami remains the perfect sidekick-turned-mastermind, balancing loyalty and ambition with raging intensity.
🔥 Aaditi Pohankar’s Pammi transforms from victim to temptress, using her sexuality as a weapon, though the transition feels a bit forced.
🔥 Darshan Kumar as Ujagar, the only glimmer of hope in this dark world, holds the investigative angle together, though his presence is overshadowed by the overpowering cult politics.
The addition of Esha Gupta as a glamorous PR consultant trying to elevate Nirala’s image adds style, but not much substance.
Visuals & Direction: A Stylish Yet Stagnant Affair
Prakash Jha’s signature cinematic touch remains intact. The candle-lit interiors, flowing robes, and eerie background score create a visually compelling setting, but the storytelling doesn’t match up.
- The set designs and production quality have improved compared to the first season.
- Classical music blends well with the eerie undertones of a cult-driven narrative.
- However, the overuse of slow-motion shots and dramatic pauses takes away from the raw energy that made Season 1 gripping.
Final Verdict: Is Aashram 3 Part 2 Worth Watching?
Aashram 3 Part 2 is more about keeping the franchise alive than delivering a solid story. While Bobby Deol’s portrayal of Nirala remains a highlight, the plot stagnates, dragging out events that could have been wrapped up faster.
🔹 Watch it if you’re invested in the series and want to see how the Pammi-Nirala-Bhopa saga unfolds.
🔹 Skip it if you were expecting a thrilling new direction or significant character development.
With Season 4 likely on the horizon, one can only hope Prakash Jha brings back the sharp political and psychological elements that made Aashram a hit in the first place.
⭐ Rating: 2.5/5
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Aashram 3 Review, Aashram 3 Part 2, Bobby Deol Aashram, MX Player Series, Indian Web Series, Prakash Jha, Aashram Season 3 Ending, Aashram 4 Release Date, OTT Thriller, Indian Crime Drama